Dimensions: image: 198 x 136 mm
Copyright: © Per Kirkeby | CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Curator: This untitled work is an etching by Per Kirkeby, currently held in the Tate Collections. The image dimensions are approximately 198 by 136 millimeters. Editor: At first glance, it strikes me as raw and almost violently expressive, despite its modest size. The stark black lines against the white feel very immediate and tactile. Curator: Kirkeby, trained as a geologist, often reflected his scientific background through artistic explorations of form and structure. We can consider how his interest in strata and layering influenced his artistic processes. Editor: I'm especially drawn to the way he's used the etching process to create such a range of textures. Those pools and drips of ink feel so deliberate, almost sculptural. Curator: Indeed. The lack of a title also invites speculation, leaving it open to various interpretations about its cultural and historical context. Editor: I think this piece really showcases the power of printmaking as a medium, highlighting its capacity for both precision and spontaneity. It's a surprisingly compelling image.